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• Six fossil specimens of Ailanthus winged fruits are documented. • First-ever fossil record of Ailanthus confucii from India. • Ailanthus megafossil occurrences from the global geologic record are reviewed. • Suggest the possible migratory routes of Ailanthus. Even though it is now widespread in Asia and was widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic, fruits of the genus Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) have not previously been documented from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of fossil winged fruits corresponding to the modern genus Ailanthus having samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed from the latest Neogene sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. We determine their taxonomic position based on a detailed morphological comparison with similar modern and fossil specimens and discuss their palaeoclimatic significance. The fossil fruits are elongated, elliptic samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed and a marginal ventral vein starting from the seed extend to the base of the fruit. The fruits are 24–39 mm long and 11–16 mm wide. Based on the available morphological characters including locations of the stylar scar, main ventral vein, and the size of the samara, we assign these specimens to the fossil species Ailanthus confucii Unger. This species has a rich fossil record from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. However, this is the first report of A. confucii in India, which is significant for this species's biogeographic and evolutionary history. Based on morphological comparisons, A. confucii shows affinity to modern A. altissima. Here, we also review the biogeographic history of Ailanthus and suggest its possible migratory routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four-year field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of interannual rainfall variability and distribution on the plant growth parameters and yield five kharif onion cultivars, viz. Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red, Agrifound Dark Red, Arka Kalyan and Phule Samarth. Each cultivar was replicated six times. The plant growth parameters and yield were recorded during the plant growth period. The results showed that rainfall received 30-60 days after transplanting substantially and negatively affected the plant growth parameters and bulb yield of all the cultivars during the high-rainfall years while increasing onion bulb rotting losses. Bhima Super and Bhima Dark Red produced significantly higher marketable bulb yields throughout the experimental period. Hence these two cultivars can be successfully cultivated during the kharif season. However, they produced 44.5-63.6% lower yield during the high-rainfall than the low-rainfall years. This indicates that the yield of kharif onion cultivars could be further increased through improved management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed description of the distribution, morphology and relationships with host plants (19 species; 15 new records as host plants) of Manatha albipes from Kerala, India is presented here. Significant differences in the morphology from populations of M. albipes from other areas of India have been described. The larval stages of these moths are polyphagous and cause low to severe damage in host plants. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 sequence of 692 bp length was sequenced and deposited in NCBI Genbank with the accession number MN717272.The sequence analysis confirms the identity of M. albipes as distinct from other closely related species of bagworms. M. albipes is not yet a major pest in Kerala but is emerging as a threat in the monocultures of neighbouring states. We demonstrate how many plant species in human altered habitations are carryover sources for M. albipes. Preliminary distribution map and threat analysis of the species in the state based on known land use data using GIS tools indicates large areas of agricultural land to be under threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the insect pest of global agricultural importance due to its wide host range and cosmopolitan distribution, which is supported by a strong genetic base. This paper presents genetic diversity of the pest population feeding on different hosts (inter-host) and geographic locations (inter-location) in Uttarakhand Himalayas, India and their micro-evolutionary consequences. A total of 21 inter-host and 17 inter-location populations were studied using both nuclear (SSR markers i.e., 1st tier) and mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b i.e., 2nd tier). In case of inter-host populations, grouping was observed in relation to crop season (Kharif and Rabi), sequential growing of the crops and association of crops with weeds and concurrence of crop growth stages. Interestingly, in both the nuclear and mitogenome analysis, the wheat population stood separate as a major cluster, which might be due to its adaptation towards the crop in recent past in the region. Although there is a differential grouping in SSR and cytb based clustering in inter-location populations, high altitude populations stand separate. The study illustrates ecological and evolutionary driven behavioural adaptations in H. armigera populations in Uttarakhand Himalayan population, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During ongoing studies of the mycoflora of Kerala State, India, three species of Crepidotus , namely, C. exilis A.M.Kumar & C.K.Pradeep sp. nov., C. globisporus A.M.Kumar & C.K.Pradeep sp. nov. and C. croceotinctus Peck, were discovered. These species are described and illustrated. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum-likelihood analyses of nuclear ribosomal large subunit rDNA sequences are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Knowledge of species richness patterns and their relation with climate is required to develop various forest management actions including habitat management, biodiversity and risk assessment, restoration and ecosystem modelling. In practice, the pattern of the data might not be spatially constant and cannot be well addressed by ordinary least square (OLS) regression. This study uses GWR to deal with spatial non-stationarity and to identify the spatial correlation between the plant richness distribution and the climate variables (i.e., the temperature and precipitation) in a 1° grid in different biogeographic zones of India. Methodology: We utilized the species richness data collected using 0.04 ha nested quadrats in an Indian study. The data from this national study, titled ‘Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level’, were aggregated at the 1° grid level and adjudged for sampling sufficiency. The performances of OLS and GWR models were compared in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2) and the corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). Results and discussion: A comparative study of the R2 and AICc values of the models showed that all the GWR models performed better compared with the analogous OLS models. The climate variables were found to significantly influence the distribution of plant richness in India. The minimum precipitation (Pmin) consistently dominated individually (R2 = 0.69; AICc = 2608) and in combinations. Among the shared models, the one with a combination of Pmin and Tmin had the best model fits (R2 = 0.72 and AICc = 2619), and variation partitioning revealed that the influence of these parameters on the species richness distribution was dominant in the arid and the semi-arid zones and in the Deccan peninsula zone. Conclusion: The shift in climate variables and their power to explain the species richness of biogeographic zones suggests that the climate–diversity relationships of plants species vary spatially. In particular, the dominant influence of Tmin and Pmin could be closely linked to the climate tolerance hypothesis (CTH). We found that the climate variables had a significant influence in defining species richness patterns in India; however, various other environmental and non-environmental (edaphic, topographic and anthropogenic) variables need to be integrated in the models to understand climate–species richness relationships better at a finer scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that examines the anthropogenic land cover and land use on the invasive aquatic macrophytes distribution in Northeast India's tropical floodplains.

We studied the patterns in distribution, population density and uses of medicinal plant species in Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh in Indian Himalayas. The study area was stratified into three zones on the basis of forest types and altitudes. In each zone, quadrats were laid down for sampling of plant species, and the local people were interviewed for gathering information on medicinal uses of plants. A total of 184 plant species were encountered in the sampling plots, of which 86% had medicinal uses. Among woody plant species, the use of bark was highest, whereas in herbaceous species the use of leaf and root was highest for treatment of over 32 groups of diseases. In terms of density, Pinus roxburghii was the most dominant tree species in subtropical forests, which declined in temperate regions and was absent in subalpine forests. Rhododendron arboreum was the most dominant tree species in temperate region whereas in subalpine forests it was replaced by Abies pindrow, in terms of density. Berberis asiatica and Vitex negundo were the most dominant shrubs in subtropical forests besides Lantana camera, whereas Berberis lycium dominated the temperate and Juniperus indica dominated the subalpine forests. The heavy infestation of Lantana camera in sub-tropical forests has degraded the habitats of native medicinal plant species. Spearman’s correlation indicates positive correlation between local uses and density of respective medicinal plant species (P < 0.05). The results are further discussed in light of medicinal plants conservation in this part of the Indian Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tupistra leonidii D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao (Asparagaceae), a new species from north-eastern India, is described and illustrated. The plant is distinguished from its closely allied congener, T. nutans in habit with obliquely oblong-elliptic leaf blade, comparatively shorter peduncle (to 10 cm long) and spike (to 3 cm long) with 10-12-flowers, shorter perianth tube, 1.5-2 mm long and in hemispheric to hemioblate white stigma speckled with purple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of its importance in nation-wide conservation planning, comprehensive information on geographic distribution of threatened plants in India is lacking. Even the threat status of these plants is ambiguous and the country's effort to conserve them is not widely known. A critical analysis of these aspects is essential for identifying gaps in threatened plant conservation. Keeping these in view, we present a review of the existing knowledge on geographic distribution pattern of threatened plants of India, their threat status, and conservation action undertaken to recover these species. Using the available data, we unravel patterns of distribution of these threatened plants in different states of India. When ranking of the families was done based on the total number of species under different threat categories, Orchidaceae (644), Fabaceae (185), Poaceae (164), Rubiaceae (103), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (72), Asclepiadaceae (62) and Acanthaceae (60) constituted more than half of the total threatened plant species of India. A review on conservation efforts so far undertaken in different parts of the country revealed that the biodiversity-rich phytogeographic regions such as the Himalayas, North East India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands had lesser conservation efforts in comparison to the Western Ghats, Vindhyas and Peninsular regions of India. The skewed distribution of threatened plants in different states did not truly reflect their absolute presence or absence; rather it is the result of incomplete survey because of the difficult geomorphological and associated geo-climatic conditions, tough terrain and remote locations. In addition, the current data on threatened plants suffer from methodological shortcomings such as classification without using the population data that are so crucial in modern day threat classification, and lack of long-term observational data. The review emphasizes the use of modern tools such as ecological niche modelling for population inventory, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, and trends in population size and regeneration for precise threat classification conforming to globally accepted methods (e.g. IUCN version 3.1). The works undertaken through the support of Department of Biotechnology, GoI for conservation of 156 threatened plant species under different disciplines of conservation biology during the past three decades have also been compiled and reviewed. A successfully tested protocol following an integrated approach for threatened species conservation is recommended for future conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Roscoea is described and illustrated. Roscoea megalantha Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom occurs in the Eastern Zone of Bhutan and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh in India. A distribution map and an IUCN conservation assessment are given. A key to the three species of Roscoea found in Bhutan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the distribution of plant species at spatial (grid) scales are required as input for integrative analysis along with related climate, environment, topography and soil data. Although the world’s scientific community is increasingly generating data on plant species at various spatial grids and statistically interpolating and extrapolating the available information, data on plant diversity from the Asian continent are scant. Such data are unavailable for India, the mainland of which has part of three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. Although sufficient field sampling is always impossible and impractical, it is essential to utilize fully any available database by adjudging the sampling sufficiency at a given scale. In this work, we used an exhaustive database of the plant species of the Indian mainland that was sufficient in terms of sampling vegetation types. We transformed the data, obtained the distribution at the 1° and 2° spatial grid levels and evaluated the sampling sufficiency at acceptable threshold limits (60% to 80%). The greatest species richness values recorded in the 0.04 ha quadrant, 1° grid and 2° grid were 59, 623 and 1244, respectively. Clench model was significantly (p value < 0.001) fitted using the plant species data at both the grid levels with a very high coefficient of determination (>0.95). At an acceptable threshold limit of 70%, almost all the grids at the 2° level and more than 80% of the grids at the 1° level were found to be sufficiently sampled. Sampling sufficiency was observed to be highly scale-dependent as a greater number of 2° grids attained asymptotic behaviour following the species–area curve. Grid-level sampling insufficiency was attributed to lower numbers of sampling quadrats in forests with poor approachability, which coincided with the world biodiversity hotspots’, suggesting that additional sampling was required. We prescribe the use of the 1° and 2° spatial grids with sufficient sampling for any ecological analysis in conjunction with other data and thereby offer grid-level plant species richness data for the Indian mainland for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil leaflet impression described here as a new species Rourea miocaudata sp. nov., showing close resemblance with the modern leaflets of Rourea caudata Planch. (Connaraceae R. Br.), has been recorded from the lower part of the Siwalik sediments (Dafla Formation, middle-upper Miocene) exposed at the road-cutting section of Pinjoli area in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The important morphological characters of the fossil are its narrow elliptic leaflet, cuneate base, long caudate apex, entire margin, eucamptodromous to brochidodromous secondary veins, presence of intersecondary veins, percurrent and reticulate tertiary veins and orthogonally reticulate quaternary veins. This is the first authentic record of the occurrence of leaflet comparable to R. caudata of Connaraceae from the Cenozoic sediments of India and abroad. At present R. caudata does not grow in India and is restricted only in southeast Asia especially in China and Myanmar. This taxon probably migrated to these southeast Asian regions after lower Siwalik sedimentation (middle-upper Miocene) due to climatic change caused by post-Miocene orogenic movement of the Himalaya. The recovery of this species and other earlier-described evergreen taxa from the same formation, suggests the existence of a tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions during the depositional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-six strains of Bipolaris oryzae collected from infected seed from different geographical locations in India were used for the analysis of genetic variability by using molecular markers. The molecular characterization using three marker systems, i.e., universal rice primers (URPs), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was carried out, which revealed differences in strains from different geographical origins as well as by clustering of various B. oryzae strains which otherwise could not be revealed through conventional characterization. Out of 13 URPs, 20 ISSR and 30 RAPD primers screened, seven URPs, eight ISSR and 14 RAPD markers gave very good reproducibility banding patterns. Polymorphic bands ranging between 86.3% and 100% in URP, 81.8% and 100% in ISSR, and 91.6% and 100% were recorded in the case of RAPD markers. The total number of bands recorded was 1791 with an average of 255.86 in URP, 2541 with an average of 317.63 in ISSR, and 3226 with an average of 230.42 in RAPD markers. Maximum heterozygosity ( Hn) was revealed by URP 30F (0.26), ISSR 6 (0.36) and RAPD marker OPB-1 (0.31). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.69 and 6.43 in URP, 3.86 and 8.03 in ISS, and 2.58 and 8.55 in RAPD marker profiles. Maximum cophenetic correlation was found in URP ( r = 1.000), followed by ISSR ( r = 0.813) and RAPD ( r = 0.784). The combined analysis of all three marker systems showed high cophenetic correlation ( r = 0.848), which indicated a good fit of the data for genetic diversity analysis. Hence, combined use of three marker systems would be more sensitive and reliable in characterizing genetic variability in B. oryzae strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research: A large number of fossil coryphoid palm wood and fruits have been reported from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of India. We document the oldest well-preserved and very rare costapalmate palm leaves and inflorescence like structures from the same horizon. Methodology: A number of specimens were collected from Maastrichtian–Danian sediments of the Deccan Intertrappean beds, Ghughua, near Umaria, Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The specimens are compared with modern and fossil taxa of the family Arecaceae. Pivotal results: Sabalites dindoriensis sp. nov. is described based on fossil leaf specimens including basal to apical parts. These are the oldest coryphoid fossil palm leaves from India as well as, at the time of deposition, from the Gondwana- derived continents. Conclusions: The fossil record of coryphoid palm leaves presented here and reported from the Eurasian localities suggests that this is the oldest record of coryphoid palm leaves from India and also from the Gondwana- derived continents suggesting that the coryphoid palms were well established and wide spread on both northern and southern hemispheres by the Maastrichtian–Danian. The coryphoid palms probably dispersed into India from Europe via Africa during the latest Cretaceous long before the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family Phyllanthaceae has a predominantly pantropical distribution. Of its several genera, Bridelia Willd. is of a special interest because it has disjunct equally distributed species in Africa and tropical Asia i.e. 18–20 species in Africa-Madagascar (all endemic) and 18 species in tropical Asia (some shared with Australia). On the basis of molecular phylogenetic study on Bridelia, it has been suggested that the genus evolved in Southeast Asia around 33±5 Ma, while speciation and migration to other parts of the world occurred at 10±2 Ma. Fossil records of Bridelia are equally important to support the molecular phylogenetic studies and plate tectonic models. Results: We describe a new fossil leaf of Bridelia from the late Oligocene (Chattian, 28.4–23 Ma) sediments of Assam, India. The detailed venation pattern of the fossil suggests its affinities with the extant B. ovata, B. retusa and B. stipularis. Based on the present fossil evidence and the known fossil records of Bridelia from the Tertiary sediments of Nepal and India, we infer that the genus evolved in India during the late Oligocene (Chattian, 28.4–23 Ma) and speciation occurred during the Miocene. The stem lineage of the genus migrated to Africa via “Iranian route” and again speciosed in Africa-Madagascar during the late Neogene resulting in the emergence of African endemic clades. Similarly, the genus also migrated to Southeast Asia via Myanmar after the complete suturing of Indian and Eurasian plates. The emergence and speciation of the genus in Asia and Africa is the result of climate change during the Cenozoic. Conclusions: On the basis of present and known fossil records of Bridelia, we have concluded that the genus evolved during the late Oligocene in northeast India. During the Neogene, the genus diversified and migrated to Southeast Asia via Myanmar and Africa via “Iranian Route”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive pest species, has appeared on a large scale on cotton in India since 2006. Its distribution within the plant, and associated yield losses in cotton, were studied over 2 years. Distribution of P. solenopsis was observed within the cotton plant from vegetative to boll formation stage. In the vegetative and square formation stages, the highest mealybug population was recorded on the upper portion of the stem, followed by the middle leaves of the plant. In the boll formation stage, there was no significant difference in distribution of the insect among plant parts. Losses in cotton due to the mealybug varied between 14.9% at Grade 1 and 53.6% at Grade 4, on a 0 to 4 severity index, with a mean reduction of 35% and 32%, during 2008 and 2009, respectively. There was a significant relationship between severity of infestation and decrease in seed cotton yield. The information generated from this study will help in the early detection of mealybug infestation and estimation of yield losses corresponding to the severity grade of the damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musa argentii Gogoi & Borah (Musaceae), a new species, is described and illustrated from Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh, India based on observed morphological characteristics in the field. Its distribution and habitat are described, and a key to the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (SPV) installations are growing in the distribution network due to the continuously decreasing prices of solar photovoltaic panels. Installing the SPV Plant on the distribution feeder supplying to the agricultural pumps is a challenging task due to the varying agricultural load pattern of the Agricultural Feeder (AG Feeder). Supply of power and demand creates potential challenges in the low voltage (LV) distribution system. This paper presents a case study of a 2 MW SPV connected to an agricultural feeder in India. Performance analysis has been carried out using field measurement data. The key parameters such as PV Penetration and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) are calculated for analysis. Parameters such as Grid Dependency of the load and PV Contribution have been introduced in this paper, which relates to the SPV system behavior more aptly. It is recommended that the Time of Day (ToD) metering with the lowest cost during the solar generation hours will make agricultural consumers shift their demand matching with solar generation hours. Extensive analysis of agricultural feeder connected SPV power plant indicates that the power supply has improved for the feeder during winter and summer months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fossilised palm fruit of Cocos L. (C. binoriensis sp. nov.) is reported from the Binori Reserve Forest, Ghansor, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The fruit is a 3-dimensionally preserved drupe, ovoid with clearly visible longitudinal ridges. The husk is made up of a thin smooth exocarp and fibrous mesocarp, with vertical and horizontal fibres present on the inner surface of the endocarp. The fruit is Maastrichtian-Danian in age and is the world's oldest fossil record of Cocos. The genus Cocos is now distributed in coastal areas of pantropical regions. The occurrence of Cocos along with coastal and mangrove remains such as Acrostichum, Barringtonia, Nypa, Sonneratia and marine algae Distichoplax and Peyssonellia previously recorded from Deccan Intertrappean beds further confirms the proximity of sea in the area in central India and indicates warm and humid conditions. The presence of Cocos and previously recorded palaeoflora supports the existence of tropical wet evergreen to semi-evergreen forests at the time of deposition in the area, in contrast to the dry to moist deciduous forests existing today in central India. The probable reasons for the change in climatic conditions are withdrawal of an arm of the sea from central India, the change in latitude, and a significant uplift of the Western Ghats during post-trappean times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis karnaliensis Bh. Adhikari, a recently described species was recorded for the first time from the Indian territory. Hence, it is being reported herewith as an addition to the Flora of India. The species differs from its closely related taxon viz. Berberis jaeschkeana Schneid. var. usteriana Schneid. in having coriaceous leaves and 5-6 primary veins on each side of the midrib. Detailed information on taxonomy, morphology, habitat, ecology and distribution of B. karnaliensis as well as photographs and illustrations are provided here for the species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silene vulgaris is an important ethnobotanical species, but so far no thorough meiotic analysis has been performed, despite its wide occurrence in temperate and alpine Himalayas, this prompted us to undertake present study. We investigated original meiotic chromosome number and effect of cytomixis on meiotic course, microsporogenesis and pollen grain size and fertility. The paper also summarizes the previously published chromosome counts in the species and cytogeography of 2 x and 4 x cytotypes in the Indian Himalayas and elsewhere. Meiocytes preparations were made through standard squashed technique in 1 % acetocarmine. Two ploidy levels have been determined during the cytomorphological surveys, diploid (2 n = 2 x = 24) and tetraploid (2 n = 4 x = 48). Most of the presently scored populations were found to be diploid (2 n = 2 x = 24). Morphologically 2 x and 4 x individuals were indistinguishable from each other. Meiosis was perfectly normal in 4 x cytotype. However, some of the 2 x plants showed the phenomenon of cytomixis and associated meiotic abnormalities. Consequent to cytomixis, hypo-, hyperploid and enucleated pollen mother cells (PMCs) were resulted. Such PMCs combined with other meiotic abnormalities yielded sterile and variable sized pollen grains. On the basis of overall information, it is clear that 2 x cytotype is the most widely distributed cytotype in the Indian Himalayas as well as elsewhere. On the other hand, the 4 x cytotype seems to be less frequently present in the Indian Himalayas and outside of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate has played a crucial role in assigning a different kind of topography to Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Cenozoic time. Evidently, three genera, namely, Dipterocarpus Gaert. f., Hopea Roxb. and Shorea Roxb. of the Dipterocarpaceae are described from the Neogene sediments of western India (Rajasthan and Gujarat). These taxa are marked by their complete absence in the region today. The presence of Dipterocarpaceae in western India has been noticed from the Early Eocene up to the Plio-Pleistocene in deep time. The family is usually a dominant component of the humid tropical and subtropical flora of the Indo-Malayan region and its discovery, along with earlier described fossils from western India indicates existence of ancient tropical rain forests in western India. A change in the climate affected warm and humid conditions occurring there during the Cenozoic resulting in arid to semi-arid climate at present which is responsible for the ultimate extinction of Dipterocarpaceae in the region. In addition, the palaeobiogeography of Dipterocarpaceae is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lectotype is designated for Senecio lagotis W. W. Sm. (Asteraceae) and for the combination Ligularia lagotis (W. W. Sm.) Hand.-Mazz. based on it. Ligularia lagotis (W. W. Sm.) Hand.-Mazz. is an independent species but not synonym of Ligularia virgaurea (Maxim.) Mattf. ex Rehder et Kobuski. as it was treated earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interesting sac-bearing species P. bantamensis is added here to the liverwort flora of the Indian mainland from Assam, a part of the Indo-Burmese biodiversity hotspot. It was earlier recorded in the Nicobar Islands for India. Incidentally, the subgenus Metaplagiochila, under which the species falls, is a new record for the Indian mainland as well. The species is described in detail, illustrated and its distribution is mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits ofTribulus terrestrisL. are known for its medicinal and dietary application in the traditional medicine of India and other parts of the World. Protodioscin and Prototribestin are steroidal saponins notably found in theT. terrestris. The aim of the present study is to quantify protodioscin and prototribestin in fruits ofT. terrestriscollected from different phytogeographical zones of India to check the chemotaxonomic variation, if any, through HPTLC using ternary mobile phase of n butanol:glacial acetic acid:water (80:06:20, v/v/v) on precoated silica gel 60 F254aluminum plates. Analytical studies showed considerable variations of Protodioscin and Prototribestin content inT. terrestrisfruits, and it was observed that maximum percentage of Protodioscin (0.317%) found in samples from Western Ghat of India and maximum percentage of Prototribestin (0.636%) found in sample growing in the Arid zone of India. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The new species Rhododendron mechukae A.A.Mao & A.Paul (Ericaceae) is described from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A field based technique has been developed to identify and delineate the areas of potential hill slope instability with the help of ecological indicator. Habitat characteristics and spatial–temporal occurrence of indicator taxon were investigated with respect to its natural environment. The study includes extensive field surveys, laboratory studies and comparison of historical maps at local scale coupled with literature appraisal at local, regional and global scales. Instability generated due to slope disturbances by natural and anthropogenic activities along the roads, ravines, stream banks, terraces, cultivated land, old landslide sites and human settlements was investigated during the years 2000–2005. It was followed by regional and global scale study during the years 2009–2011. It is established that the instability is manifested by occurrence of indicator species and its spatial dominance delineates the areas of potential instability. The investigated inherent characteristic features of the indicator species viz., rapid growth (145cm/year), primary succession, nitrogen fixation and obtrapezoid-winged seed structure, roots and suckers morphology and associated microclimatic scenario have been found extremely decisive to the process of manifestation of slope instability. Study at three experimental sites and vicinity also confirmed that wide-spread occurrence of indicator taxon is not related to specific soil and rock type, gradient or aspect but is exclusively attributable to its unstable environment. The indicator taxon has been identified as Alnus nepalensis D. Don and its invasion delay to the unstable slopes was reported by one to two years. Indicator''s habitat affinity to instability and its phyto-geographical range was explored between 1000–2590m asl at local scale in Garhwal Himalaya and 900–2700m at regional scale in Indian Himalayan and other mountain states viz., Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya, while it is reported between 200m and 2800m at global scale in Asian countries like Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The proposed ecological approach to identify and delineate the areas of potential hill slope instability seems to be promising and may be termed innovative, as it involves only local resource as a scientific tool and traditional wisdom as technical excellence. Unlike geotechnical methods of slope instability assessment, this being simple, eco-friendly, self sustainable and cost effective, it is socially acceptable and can also be used by non-scientists for planning and management in Himalayan region and similar other regions of the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite the expectation in nineteenth-century botany that the plants of one country were most similar to those of adjacent countries, by the middle of the century it was accepted that there was a connexion between flora of northern Australia and 'India'. The pattern and reasons for plant distribution around the world were studied in the emerging science of phytogeography, but this paper suggests that the strength of the Indo-Australian connexion was influenced by species limits in the established science of phytography or descriptive botany. This paper also shows that while the botany of Australia and 'India' was predominantly studied in European nations, Ferdinand Mueller used resources obtained from Joseph Hooker in Great Britain, and Friedrich Miquel in the Netherlands to add new details to the distribution pattern of 'Indian' plants in northern Australia. Although Mueller was unwilling to reflect on these findings himself, they seemed to challenge attempts to introduce evolutionary and geological explanations into phytogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eleven fossil woods belonging to seven families are described from a petrified wood forest of Mizoram. This fossil assemblage is derived from sediments belonging to the Tipam Group considered to be Late Miocene–Early Pliocene in age. The modern counterparts of the identified taxa are: Gluta L., Mangifera L. (Anacardiaceae), Bursera Jacq. ex L. (Burseraceae), Terminalia L. (Combretaceae), Shorea Roxb. (Dipterocarpaceae), Cynometra Linn., Dalbergia L. f., Millettia Wight et Arn.–Pongamia Vent, Ormosia Jacks. (Fabaceae), Artocarpus Forst. (Moraceae) and Madhuca Gmelin. (Sapotaceae). The genus Dalbergia is described for the first time from India. The modern environmental tolerances of the above taxa indicate the existence of a tropical warm and humid climate in Mizoram during the depositional period. The reconstructed climate data using Coexistence Approach (CoA) based on palaeoflora database of Mosbrugger and Utescher, along with other published data sets indicates an MAT (mean annual temperature) of 26.1–27.7°C, a mean temperature of the warmest month (WMT) of 25.4–28.1°C, a mean temperature of the coldest month (CMT) of 25.6–26°C, and a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 3180–3263mm. These climatic interpretations are congruent with the data obtained from the anatomical features of all the fossil taxa. As all the fossil taxa possess diffuse porous wood, they further indicate a tropical climate with little seasonality. The majority of the taxa in the fossil assemblage generally have large vessels and simple perforation plates which indicate high precipitation. The present study provides vital evidence of floral exchange or migration between India and southeast Asia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Among the Orchid flora of Assam 4 species of Micropera recorded Micropera mannii, Micropera obtusa, Micropera pallida and Micropera rostrata in an intensive survey during 1996-2011. The present paper deals Micropera species diversity and distribution in Assam, India. This attempt is the first step to correct taxonomic identification to workout currently accepted botanical names with present ecological status, date of collection, Voucher specimen numbers, habitat, phenology and local and general distribution of Micropera species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the Solan Forest Division with an area of 57,158 ha in Himachal Pradesh to study spatial distribution of plant biodiversity. The forest division has an altitudinal gradient from 600–2,260 m amsl. The contours on the Forest Survey of India (FSI) topo sheets (1:25000 scale) for this division were digitized to generate its Digital Elevation Model (DEM). It was stratified into five elevation classes (600–900, 900–1,200, 1,200–1,500, 1,500–1,800, 1800 m and above). A stock map of the division was digitized and superimposed on stratified DEM to know the distribution of vegetation at different elevations. Eight types of land use covers recorded in this division are: (a) chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests, (b) bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) forests, (c) khair (Acacia catechu) forests, (d) ban oak (Quercus leucotricophora) forests, (e) deodar (Cedrus deodara) forests, (f) broad leaved forests, (g) cultivation, and (h) culturable blank. Around 16.50% of the division's area was estimated to be under different land uses. Total biomass of vegetation in different land uses of the division is estimated as 63.80 × 104 tons. Total carbon stock of the division was 11.71 × 105 tons. Biomass density and carbon density were found to increase with elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) is a dominant tree species, whose natural range lies between 20-32°N lat. and 75-95°E long., is spread across 10 million ha in India. Species distribution models predict the species geographic ranges from occurrence records and sitespecific environmental data. Here, we have (i) generated the 1960s scenario for sal species on the basis of the existing published literature; (ii) confirmed the species occurrence data using satellite imagery for the period of 1972-75; (iii) run the Maxent species distribution model to predict the distribution for the year 2020 under climate change scenario SRES A1-B and (iv) validated the prediction using more than double the amount of species occurrence data gathered during the last decade (1998-2008). The model identified moisture as the key player that would influence the distribution to shift towards northern and eastern India, with greater than 90% certainty. The study highlights utility of the archived remote sensing data in providing locational information in climate change studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterospermumocarpon (Type: P. kalviwadiensis), a new morphogenus of fossil fruits showing resemblance with fruits of extant Pterospermum Schreb. (Malvaceae s.l.), is described from the Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene) at the Kalviwadi Village, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. Diagnostic feature of the fossil taxon is the dehiscent pentalocular capsule with five distinct sutures and imprints of winged seed-like structures in the locules. Recent modifications in the systematics of the Malvales, their fossil record, and the distribution and migration of Pterospermum and other malvalean taxa in the context of the Indian subcontinent are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Agricultural residues are spatially scattered in Punjab. The spatial distribution and associated costs on collection and transportation of this resource are the critical factor in planning the biomass based power plants. This paper presents a case study of Bathinda district of Punjab, using geographical information system to evaluate the feasibility of setting up biomass based power plants and optimizing their location. Mathematical models were developed to determine the storage and handling cost of agricultural residue. Geographical information system and non-linear optimization techniques were employed to locate appropriate sites and sizes of power plants. It was found that two power plants and their two collection centres are financially feasible. Power generation capacity is 20 MW (e). The fuel procurement area was in the range of less than 20 km. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on the first find of peltasperms in the Permian of Gondwana. Well-preserved leaf compressions and reproductive structures of these plants came from the Lower Permian Barakar Formation of Satpura Basin, central India, where they co-occur with diverse glossopterids. The Indian peltasperm record is evidence of floristic exchanges between Laurasia and Gondwana in the Early Permian involving a dominant group of North American–European arboreal vegetation of the time. The phytogeographic differentiation, leaf micromorphology and stratigraphic occurrence of Permian peltasperms suggest a thermophilic group appearing in central India during the transition from humid peat forming to seasonally dry redbed environments. Therefore peltasperms are unlikely invaders to high-latitude cool-temperate zone postulated for Early Permian Australindia. Instead their Satpura occurrence assigns the Indian subcontinent in the equatorial zone of mixed Laurasian/Gondwanan floristic assemblages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Many studies have shown that alien species richness pattern follows that of native species richness patterns along environmental gradients, without taking the specific composition of the two groups into account. Objectives: To compare species richness patterns of native and alien woody plants along an altitudinal gradient in Kashmir Himalaya, India, and to analyse the specific composition, e.g. proportion of life forms. Methods: Analysis of secondary data from published floristic inventories. The gradient (500–4800m asl) was split into 100m bands and presence/absence data for each species were obtained, for each band. Results: Species richness of both native and alien species followed a hump-shaped distribution. Alien species richness dropped faster above 2000masl than the native did. The ratio of trees to shrubs decreased monotonically along the gradient in native species, but showed a peak at c. 2500masl in alien species. Alien species flowered in average earlier than native species. Conclusions: The change of species richness of native and alien species along altitude is similar, but the proportion of life forms is not. Most likely both climatic and socio-economic factors affect alien species richness and its specific composition in the Kashmir Himalaya. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caralluma bicolor Ramach, S. Joseph, H. A. John & C. Sofiya sp. nov. (Apocynaceae) collected from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu in India is described and illustrated. Morphological differences between the new species and the allied species C. adscendens (Roxb.) Haw. and C. sarkariae Lavranos & Frandsen are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reconstruct the palaeoclimate, a number of fossil wood pieces were collected and investigated from two new fossil localities situated in the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts of Assam. They belong to the Tipam Group considered to be of Middle-Late Miocene in age and show affinities with Gluta (Anacardiaceae), Bischofia (Euphorbiaceae), Bauhinia, Cynometra, Copaifera-Detarium-Sindora, Millettia-Pongamia, and Afzelia-Intsia (Fabaceae). The flora also records a new species of Bauhinia named Bauhinia miocenica sp. nov. The assemblage indicates a warm and humid climate in the region during the deposition of the sediments. The occurrence of some southeast Asian elements in the fossil flora indicates that an exchange of floral elements took place between India and southeast Asia during the Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cantharellus is known to have a global distribution and to form ectomycorrhizal associations with a diverse set of host plants. Here we describe Cantharellus pseudoformosus as a species new to science with a possible association with Cedrus deodara. ITS and LSU data demonstrated that the material from India is distinct from Cantharellus formosus and other closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four chromite-mineralized areas, viz. Jambur, Tagadur, Byrapur and Pennasamudra in the ultramafics-dominant Nuggihalli schist belt in southern Karnataka have been studied geobotanically and biogeochemically. All the four areas are characterized by 'serpentine' soils and support a distinct vegetation pattern of herbs and shrubs. Twenty two plant samples of seven different species and 22 soil samples including the dump areas near the abandoned mines, have been analysed for Cr, Co, Ni, V, Cu, Zn, Mo, As and Se to know their accumulation patterns in plants and their substratum. Dodonaea viscosa and Hyptis suaveolens growing in the dump area show poor growth and wilting effect, mostly due to hyperaccumulation of metals, especially the toxic ones like Cr, Ni and V. All the analysed samples of plant species show enrichment of Cr (up to 659 ppm), whereas other metals like Ni and Co, which are usually associated with Cr, are not in higher concentration. The individual uptake pattern of Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, As and Mo is more or less homogeneous in all the different species. However, Se and V show considerable variations in their concentration. By and large, accumulation of average concentrations suggests that Cu, Cr, Ni and V in plant species is proportional to their (higher) average concentrations in soil. However, the concentration of Co, Zn and Mo is almost the same in both plant and soil samples. In the absence of any specific plant species as higher accumulator of Cr, all the studied plant species could be considered as good accumulators. The 'not so high' level of other metal accumulation in plants could have been due to slightly higher pH (7.5-8.2) range of soils, which normally affect metal uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical moist climate in Manipur supports rich and luxuriant growth of Bambusa tulda Roxb. locally known as Sameibi, which is endemic to northeastern region and West Bengal of India. It represents one of the most costly species of bamboo in Manipur, its price ranging from Rs. 70-150/-per mature bamboo culm. The meitei Manipuris have a rich traditional knowledge for utilization of this particular bamboo species. In fact, it has got multipurpose use covering several aspects from religious to industrial. Because of its strength and durability it is of great demand on the market. Its young shoots (ushoi) and the fermented young shoots (soibum) represent a significant vegetable for local people. Ushoi costs Rs. 10-50/- per piece while soibum cost Rs. 30-50/- per kg. Local medicine man use this for healing properties. It forms a good raw material for various handicraft works, house building, paper industries, fencing, and several other useful equipments for day to day life. This bamboo species could yield more than 15 very commonly used and highly marketable articles with prices ranging from Rs.10/-to Rs 300/-per piece. Therefore, the development of small scale industries with highly skilled handicraftsmen cats be profitable. Plantation of this bamboo species on farmland, borders of home garden, foothills, riversides, sides of ponds will prove to be a good business as well as a proper help its the conservation and sustainable management of this endemic species. Traditional mode of propagation is done successfully through off-set planting method. This paper presents a detailed study on this particular bamboo species regarding taxonomy, status of distribution, density, regeneration capacity, traditional uses, methods of processing and its commercial implications highlighting else eco-friendly nature of bamboo plantation and bamboo products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small collection of fossil fruits of dicotyledonous plants, having close affinity with modern taxa, Ziziphus xylopyros Willd. (Rhamnaceae), Combretum decandrum Roxb. and Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) and Lagerstroemia flos-reginae and Lagerstroemia parviflora (Lythraceae) is reported from the subsurface beds of the Cambay Shale Formation exposed in an open-cast lignite mine at Vastan village near Surat, western India. Well preserved fossilized fruits have limited transport to burial histories from their plant producers and therefore have great potential to provide excellent data about the character of forests such as the one that may have contributed to the formation of the extensive Lower Eocene lignite deposits of western India. The fossilized fruits from Vastan are referred here to four new form species, viz. Ziziphus eocenicus, Combretum vastanensis, Terminalia cambaya and Lagerstroemia sahnii. The habitat and present day distribution of extant comparable taxa suggest the prevalence of tropical deciduous forest with moisture-loving plants in the Vastan mine area during the Early Eocene period. Such deciduous forests presently occur in south Coimbatore, Palghat and moister parts of Mysore region of southern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the high economic value of the Saussurea species in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the potential of most of the species is yet to be investigated. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of Saussurea species in the IHR. A total of 62 species were recorded from the IHR; of these, 37 species were native to the Himalayan region, 8 were endemic and 21 were near endemic to the IHR. Twenty-seven of the 28 species that were known to have indigenous uses also had medicinal value and are used for the treatment of various diseases/ailments. Many species, e.g., S. affinis (Ganga Mula*), S. auriculata (Pachak Kut), S. bracteata (Prerak Mul), S. costus (Kuth), S. gossypiphora (Kasturi Kamal) and S. obvallata (Brahm Kamal), have multiple uses. The genus showed high habitat specificity in that 16 species were recorded to be restricted to one or two habitats only. As many as 44 species were identified as rare in the study region. Considering the high industrial demand for raw materials and the endangered status of S. costus, S. gossypiphora, S. obvallata and S. simpsoniana (Fen Kamal), these species should be prioritized for conservation (in situ and ex situ) throughout the IHR. Population assessment of the rare-endangered, native, endemic and economically important species using standard ecological methods has been suggested for the quantification of the existing stock of these species in their natural habitats. Further, phytochemical investigations for the identification of active ingredients are suggested. Propagation and cultivation techniques are lacking for most of the species of Saussurea except for S. costus, S. obvallata and S. medusa (Snow Lotus). Furthermore, the native communities need to be sensitized to the sustainable use and conservation value of the species in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus rhizanthus with three infraspecific taxa (i.e., A. rhizanthus ssp. rhizanthus var. rhizanthus, A. rhizanthus ssp. rhizanthus var. pindreensis, and A. rhizanthus ssp. candolleanus) is widely scattered in the Himalaya from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttarakhand provinces in India. Among them, A. rhizanthus ssp. rhizanthus var. rhizanthus exhibits enormous morphological diversity throughout its range of distribution. An assessment of genetic diversity studies was undertaken to understand the level and pattern of diversity, using Inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) profiles. Fifteen ISSR, 18 RAPD and 6 DAMD primers were used to unravel the diversity among 20 genotypes collected from the known localities in the Indian Himalaya. A total of 242 bands from ISSR, 352 from RAPD and 142 from DAMDwere obtained with an average of 92.23% polymorphism in the species. Pair-wise genetic similarity for the cumulative data was determined using Jaccard's similarity coefficient which varied from 0.19 to 0.84. A combined UPGMA dendrogram was generated which revealed that different genotypes exhibited their affinity according to their geographical distribution. Tree topology suggests the existence of two distinct groups of the genotypes. Gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) were estimated and these values were found higher in the genotypes collected from Jammu and Kashmir than Himachal Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the geographic distribution of the gentianales Ceropegia hookeri. It says that the Ceropegia hookeri is a straggling herb which is endemic to Himalayas. It also mentions that the floristic exploration of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) in Sikkim, India, has resulted to its discovery, wherein the genus represents 48 species and three varieties. Meanwhile, there is an increased disturbance to its natural habitat due to the trekking activity of the tourists that threatens the existence of Ceropegia. Moreover,the plants can be conserved through various ex situ method such micropropagation, field gene banks, and maintaining Ceropegia hookeri in institutional botanical gardens and in situ measures such as habitat protection.

A checklist of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was prepared on the basis of observations of different taxa belonging to this family in wild habitats, examination of herbarium specimens and reviews of taxonomic literature. On the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the Pittosporaceae family is represented poorly, i.e. by 16 species (6.4 % of global number of species). The cumulative rate of phytoendemism of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent was determined. Eight species (50 %) are endemics in the analysed area, i.e. 5 species (31.25 %) are narrow range endemics and 3 species (18.75 %) are broad range endemics. For better understanding of the species dynamics of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, the present status of phytoendemism was compared to the data of previous investigations performed in the 19th century. On the basis of phytogeographical analysis and fossil evidences of Pittosporaceae on the Indian subcontinent, endemics were divided into holoendemics and island endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study examined the relationships among seed size, plant distribution and abundance in a dry tropical forest of northern India. Results indicated that small-seeded species, which were generally wind-dispersed, were more widely distributed, at this local scale, compared to large-seeded species. However, the proportional abundance and basal cover of seed size categories indicated that the structure of the dry forest was largely determined by the medium- to large-seeded species. There was a considerable amount of redundancy within each seed size group, which added to the species diversity. Variability in seed size and the variable degree of shade-tolerance permit the species to occupy the full range of the gradient of light environments of the forest floor. This study revealed that in little to moderately disturbed locations seedlings of large-seeded species increased in abundance, whereas in extremely perturbed locations seedlings of species with medium-sized to small seeds were more abundant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A brief account of the distribution, phytoendemism, and possible fossil ancestry of the members of the family Berberidaceae in India is presented. A preliminary checklist of Berberidaceae on the Indian subcontinent has been prepared based on primary observations of different taxa of this taxonomic group in wild habitats and on secondary observations based on examining herbarium specimens. An appraisal of the survival threat and phytoendemism of the Berberidaceae taxa is presented. On the Indian subcontinent (comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India), the family Berberidaceae is moderately represented (49.31 % of the total taxa). For a better understanding of the species dynamics of Berberidaceae on the Indian subcontinent, the present status of endemism has been compared with the data of previous investigations done in the nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nypa megafossils dominated by fruits are described from Oligocene and Lower Miocene sediments of Assam and Mizoram, respectively. The origin, past distribution and migration of Nypa are discussed in the light of recent findings. This study indicates that India might be the place of its origin. Its presence, along with some other coastal elements, reinforces the concept that the Bay of Bengal was extending considerably northward during these epochs than its present day boundary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]